New Music For You

From the quiet corners of a Nova Scotia night, Jont‘s “Let’s Just Be Friends” emerges as a tender, nocturnal meditation on love and truth – a song that drifts between dreamy romanticism and grounded self-awareness. Vulnerable and timeless, it’s a story of connection that was perhaps always destined to burn bright and fade, leaving behind the bittersweet beauty of understanding.

“Late at night, sat up in bed with my guitar, is how some of my best songs have come,” Jont shares. “Maybe it was always thus for songwriters – Cohen, Dylan – the muse sitting beside them as the world sleeps. And with my cats Oscar and Buttons beside me, I can be found there too, up late, lights low, guitar in my lap, writing something that’s sprung out of me without warning and demanding my attention.”

“You don’t have to be a genius to work out it’s a love song,” he continues. “And an autobiographical one at that. Sincere too in its message – or maybe not sincere in the desire to stay as just friends. Just true in what it says about what happens when you don’t.”

Hamilton-based synth-pop duo Dynasty return with “The Well,” a breezy, emotionally resonant track that blends laid-back energy with reflective synth-driven melodies. Rooted in nostalgia but feeling fresh, the song captures a moment of lightness and flow, reminding listeners that not everything in life needs to be heavy to leave an impact.

The track came together in under an hour, sparked by a synth idea from Marcone (songwriter/mix engineer/co-producer/synth player) that immediately clicked with Jenni Dreager (vocalist/songwriter/co-producer/drum programming). Vocals were re-recorded to preserve the relaxed, honest energy of the original demo, while production choices focused on simplicity – letting the synths lead and keeping the vocal delivery low-key. The result is a track that feels effortless, warm, and immersive.

Toronto alt-pop artist City Builders returns with “No Sleep,” a chaotic and euphoric anthem dedicated to wild nights, reckless fun, and the liberating art of letting go. Fueled by intrusive ideas and best-friend mischief, the song celebrates the beauty of becoming a “menace” for one night  because sometimes, freedom sounds like laughter echoing down city streets at 3AM.
“My best friend and I turn into absolute demons on a night out,” says Grace Turner, the force behind City Builders. “There’s nothing like giving into your intrusive ideas with a best friend, and I needed to write something that sounded as chaotic as our nights out.”

The track came together in a whirlwind week with producers Zach Zanardo and Al P, and co-writer Maia Davies – a dream team Turner had admired for years. The chemistry in the studio was electric; from initial demo to final mix, “No Sleep” came to life almost overnight. “Everyone was so stoked with the record that we got the ball rolling immediately and completed the track in a week,” Turner shares. “I even got my friends in the studio to record ad libs and backup vocals and scheduled a shoot for the cover art the same night.”

With warmth, wit, and a deep sense of reflection, Saskatchewan-born singer-songwriter Jeffery Straker shares “Never Too Old to Wish” – a piano-driven roots-folk Christmas song that celebrates the magic of memory, the joy of togetherness, and the beauty of growing older without losing your sense of wonder.

“It seems with each passing year that the meaning of Christmas has evolved or changed for me, bit by bit,” Straker shares. “When I was a kid, it was all about the gifts from Santa. Over time, the magic of Santa faded, but the magic of the season didn’t – it just shifted. It became about connection, gratitude, and joy.”

Blending tender storytelling with a timeless piano-driven melody, “Never Too Old to Wish” explores the emotional evolution of the holidays – from childlike excitement to nostalgic reflection. The song’s message, Straker explains, is one of celebration rather than sorrow: “It’s not a sad longing, rather almost kind of a celebration of reflections. I think that’s why the old Christmas songs never get old – they’re soundtracks and underscores to our past joy.”

9X JUNO Award winners Arkells release their infectious new track, “What Good?” out now via Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group. Full of conviction and drive, “What Good?” marks the introduction to Arkells’ forthcoming new album, due in 2026.

Following two weeks of social teasers, and MLB World Series bumpers, Arkells premiered the song live for a select group of fans in a local Toronto garage rehearsal space a mere 48 hours before release. The tone of the event speaks to the spirit of the song, and the up-close and personal experiences it longs for.

“What Good?” aims to ask the blunt questions on the noise of modern day life: What good is the comment section? What good is rage bait disguised as debate? What good is hustle culture if it only rewards grifters and conmen?

“The song doesn’t pretend to have neat answers – but it points toward where meaning might still be found,” says frontman Max Kerman. “The sun, the moon, the neon glow of your neighborhood bar. Things we can share, things that feel real.”

Toronto-based rock ensemble Original Pairs return with Surface Tension, their fourth studio album and a potent exploration of personal longing, existential dread, and the human condition. Anchored by Andrew Frontini’s resonant baritone, the album spans ten musical parables set against twangy, reverb-drenched guitars, bluesy organ textures, and deep retro synth stylings from keyboardist Jon Loewen. Buttressed by Lynda Kraar’s melodic bass and Lisa Logan’s precise, orchestral drumming, Surface Tension balances haunting reverie with savage rock energy, mining the depths of a life lived in rock‘n’roll purgatory.

“Surface Tension taught us to experiment and improvise. To lean into our musical backgrounds, drawing upon a lifetime of playing and listening to music,” says Frontini. “It’s always intense, trying to get a lot done in a very compressed time period. The whole album was recorded, including overdubs in five days.” The album’s themes invite listeners to embrace life’s anxieties, fears, and doubts, breaking through the “surface tension” of everyday existence into greater understanding.

African Nova Scotian Music Association’s 2025 Songwriter of the Year Blessing Tangban returns with “God Of…” – a cinematic, soul-stirring worship song that explores the beauty, vastness, and intimacy of God’s presence in every moment. Written on a mountaintop in Nigeria, the track captures the awe of encountering a God who is both infinite and near – the God of the mountain, the valley, the healed, the broken.

“This song is my reminder that God is present in every part of my story – from the mountaintop moments to the quiet, broken places,” says Tangban. “‘God Of…’ is a declaration of awe – for a God who’s not limited by our highs or lows, but is deeply involved in every detail.”

Tasmania based thee-piece alternative rock outfit Verticoli have released their highly anticipated new album called ‘Silverlinings’, which premiered exclusively via The AU Review.

The band have also their album launch show at The Grand Poobah (Hobart) on December 5 alongside a killer line-up. ‘Silverlinings’was recorded at Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne with producer Luke Cinotta (Airbourne, Jet, Karnivool, The Amity Affliction). The boys will then bring their explosive live show to Melbourne on January 9 at Old Bar.

The album is a raw and reflective album that explores the introspective struggles of living – anxiety, loss, disconnection and frustration – while always trying to find the flickers of light within the chaos that make life worth living. Sonically, the album interlaces the anthemic spirit of 90’s Alternative Rock, the emotional honesty of modern post-punk and hardcore, and the playful, boisterous energy that has always defined Verticoli, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and wildly unique and current.

Verticoli dropped their first self-titled EP in 2013, followed by their debut LP ‘Punching Bag’ in 2015. The ‘Free Will’ EP was released in 2017 and received significant community radio attention across Australia. The ‘Heavy’ EP (2021) was released amidst a string of COVID lockdowns. 2022 saw the release of their sophomore album ‘The Echo’, which received support from community radio across the country and critical acclaim. In 2024, Verticoli unveiled their acoustic ‘best of’ album ‘So Far’. The album was aired on over 100 radio stations worldwide. The band has gigged and toured prolifically, playing hundreds of shows across Australia, Tasmanian music festivals, and supporting iconic Australian bands like DZ Deathrays, Cog, British India and Kingswood.

‘Silverlinings’ is available on all major online streaming services.

‘SILVERLININGS’ ALBUM LAUNCH SHOWS

Dec 5 – The Grand Poobah, TAS
W/ Q.E. + Spooky Eyes + Soupy Mood
Tickets available at www.humanitix.com | 18+ only   

Jan 9 – The Old Bar, VIC
Tickets available at door | 18+ only   

Toronto’s No Breaks Jake returns with “Trouble,” a warm, intimate alt/indie rock track that captures the silent complexities of human experience. Unlike the band’s heavier, more chaotic work, this song allows space for openness, reflection, and emotional clarity. It’s a song about perseverance and the intersection of courage and vulnerability, a reminder that even when life is at its most overwhelming, resolve can pull you forward.

“Compared to my other work, there’s a little less rage and a little more humanity,” explains frontman Jacob Kassay. “It’s not as loud or as angry – instead it gets to be more warm, more open, more willing to let you in and show what’s hurting.”

“Trouble,” the second track of No Breaks Jake’s upcoming Amygdalan EP, was crafted with careful attention to warmth and accessibility. Subdued vocals, cleaner guitar tones, and gradual layering of instruments build toward moments of cathartic intensity. “The bridge, in particular, is my favourite part of the song,” Kassay explains. “There’s this feeling where everything inverts and the song sort of wraps its arms around you.”